A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krakow vs. Dubrovnik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krakow or Dubrovnik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Krakow or Dubrovnik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Krakow or Dubrovnik?

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Poland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Krakow?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krakow is $64, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Krakow and Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krakow $42
    Dubrovnik $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krakow $84
    Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Krakow and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Krakow or Dubrovnik? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Krakow


Hotels in Dubrovnik


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Krakow Hotel Prices and Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krakow $6.40
    Dubrovnik $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Private Transfer to or from Berlin: $929
  • Private Transfer to or from Budapest: $867
  • Warsaw to Luxury Private Transfer: $747
  • From Gdansk or One-Way Private Transfer: $669
  • Private Transfer to or from Bratislava: $619
  • Private transfer! Warsaw Chopin Airport - Krakow City Center: $470
  • Private transfer from Krakow to Budapest or from Budapest to Krakow: $299
  • Private door-to-door transfer from Krakow to Budapest: $291
  • Warsaw - Premium-Class Private Airport Transfer: $288
  • Transfer from Krakow (Balice airport) to Krynica Zdroj : $283
  • Private Transfer Airport to Warszawa Okęcie: $278
  • Private transfer from Katowice AirPort to Krakow City: $272

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $251
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $262
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $203
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $36
  • Direct And Private Transfer From Dubrovnik To Split: $71
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Krakow or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik and Krakow change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krakow $13
    Dubrovnik $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Krakow.

  • Walking Street Food Tour: $22
  • From Polish Folk Show with All-You-Can-Eat Dinner: $32
  • Polish Folk Show and Dinner From Krakow: $40
  • Folk Show & 3-Course Dinner at Jama Michalika Café: $44
  • Romantic Dinner with a Cruise on the Vistula River: $47
  • Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
  • Krakow : Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun ! Book Now!: $59
  • Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun in Krakow: $63
  • Cabaret Show with Optional Dinner: $69
  • Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $83
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $88
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krakow $20
    Dubrovnik $20

Tours and Activities in Krakow

Here are a few actual costs in Krakow for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $64
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine 1-Day Tour: $141
  • Rynek Underground Museum Guided Tour: $25
  • Rynek Underground Museum, Old Town and St. Mary's Basilica Tour: $50
  • 1 Day Auschwitz Birkenau Museum Guided Tour Hotel Pick up: $44
  • 1 Day Trip Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour from Krakow: $34
  • 1-Hour Tour to Krakow's Old Town by Electric Golf Cart: $21
  • 120 min Old Town Segway Tour in Krakow: $49
  • 2 Days Tour in Wawel Hill, Jewish Quarter and Wieliczka with Guide and Lunch: $187
  • 2 Hour Private Pinball and Arcade Museum Tour from Krakow: $273
  • 2 Hours Old Town Guided Bike Tour in Krakow: $27
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in The Old Town of Krakow: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.09
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krakow $6.75
    Dubrovnik $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Krakow:

  • Pub Crawl with 1 Hour of Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks: $22
  • Kazimierz Pub Crawl with 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl - 1-hour Open Bar then Vip to 5 Clubs - Krakow: $24
  • Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $24
  • Pub tour in Old Town with 1 hour open bar with a guide.: $25
  • Kazimierz Pub Crawl + 1-hour Open Bar: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Shots, Drinks & Skip-the-Line Entry: $25
  • Pub Crawl of Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with a Local Guide : $25
  • Three-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
  • Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $44
  • Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $56
  • Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krakow and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. And not only is Krakow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krakow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krakow and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik than you might in Krakow.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krakow Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krakow or Dubrovnik?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Krakow and Dubrovnik, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Krakow or Dubrovnik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Krakow or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Krakow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Krakow is cooler than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Krakow usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Krakow gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krakow 19°C (67°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krakow and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Krakow is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krakow in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Krakow usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Krakow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krakow 11°C (51°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Krakow as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Krakow. In January, Krakow is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Krakow average around -2°C (29°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Krakow usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Krakow gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krakow -2°C (29°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Krakow or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Krakow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Krakow is cooler than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Krakow averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Krakow usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Krakow gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krakow 10°C (50°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Krakow

Krakow Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)